Stansted Airport security is very busy, very loud and not much fun at all. Passing through security quickly and smoothly sets the tone for the rest your holiday. So it’s important to do it right.
After years of practice, here’s how we pass through Stansted Airport security unmolested.
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Approaching security
- As you enter the Departures section of the airport, security is located at the far left end of the building.
- Before heading into the security zone make sure you do not have any liquid containers that hold more than 100ml. It is better to dump them now rather than being embarrassed at the security scanners.
- Next, you must pass through the entrance gates. You will need to scan the barcode on your boarding pass – it is just like self-service tills at the supermarket, barcode goes down on the glass scanning panel. The gates will open automatically once you have scanned your pass.
Go straight through – you can wait for your companions on the other side.
DO NOT block the gangway.
From this point on, you must follow any instructions from the security staff. - A security agent will tell you which way to go. Join the queue that they indicate.
- Get yourself ready as you get closer to the security scanners and conveyor belts. Do this before you get to the scanners:
- If you have anything in your trouser pockets, transfer them to your coat/jacket pocket
- Undo your shoe laces/buckles
- Take off your coat/jacket
- Take off your belt and watch, putting them in your bag
- Take your laptop/tablet/ereader and hair straighteners (yes really) out of your bag and carry them with your jacket.
Top tip: If you are having problems carrying anything, ask your companion to assist. There is nothing to stop them taking all of your electronics through the scanners along with their own, for instance.
At the security scanners
By the time you arrive at the security scanners, you should be holding your electronics and toiletries in one hand. Your carry-on suitcase will be in the other. Your small bag should be on your shoulder and your shoes already unlaced, ready for removal. You should have nothing in your pants/trouser pockets.
Now:
- When you get to the front of the queue, the security staff will tell you where to stand. Go straight to the conveyor belt – DO NOT wait for anyone else.
Slip your shoes off. - Put your luggage into the trays provided.
Empty your hands first – Electronics in the first tray, along with coat/jacket and belt. Push the tray onto the rollers.
Grab another tray and put your backpack/handbag/purse in it, along with your shoes. Push it onto the rollers.
Take a third tray and put your carry-on suitcase into it. Push that one on to the rollers.
Don’t worry if your trays get separated, you will collect them all again in a few minutes. - Walk to the scanning gate. If you have put everything into one of the trays, the scanner alarm will not be triggered. and you can go on your way unmolested by Stansted Airport security agents.
If the alarm does trigger, STAY CALM, you haven’t done anything wrong. Chances are you have been ‘randomly’ selected for manual check allowing the security agents hit their hourly scanning targets.
If this happens, simply follow the instructions of the security team. They will ask you to stand in another special scanner. It only takes a few seconds and it is nothing to worry about.
Beyond the security scanners
- Once you have got through the scanner, walk to the other end of the conveyor belt to collect your tray and belongings. Use the tables provided opposite the conveyor belts. Try not to block the area while you put your shoes back on.
- Keep walking. You will find a slightly less crowded space between the conveyor belts and the main walkway. Stop here and wait for your companions – again, try to stay out of other travellers’ way.
Stansted Airport security will likely be the hardest and most stressful part of any trip. Once you clear security, everything else is a lot easier.
2. Regular security entrance
3. Wait here for your companions after passing through the scanners
4. Free drinking water can be found here
Is FastTrack security worth the money?
Stansted offers a FastTrack security option for £8 per person. This buys you access to a dedicated fast track queue that should, theoretically, be faster (the clue is in the name).
Top tip: Check out our Complete Guide to Earning Cashback on Ryanair Flights to save a few pennies towards your FastTrack Security pass.
The reality is that the fast track scanning process is exactly the same as regular security. The fast track security agents are trained to the exact same standard as the regular agents.
And FastTrack passengers are just as likely to hold you up through incompetence as regular travellers.
The only actual advantage of FastTrack is the little known ‘secret passage’ at the other end of security. This handy little corridor allows you to take a shortcut to the departures area of the airport. Otherwise, travellers must follow a long, circuitous route that effective laps the entire airport, forcing them to pass every shop and duty free outlet.
But overall, NO, FastTrack security is not worth the extra cost.
Stansted Airport Security has improved dramatically post-Covid and is actually quite efficient these days.
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Stansted Security FAQs
Here’s the answer to some of your other Stansted security questions:
Yes, Stansted Airport has finally completed roll-out of the new airport scanners allowing travellers to leave liquids in their hand luggage. However, there is still a 100ml limit on the each container.
It’s worth remembering that your destination airport may not have CT scanners, so the old rules about removing liquids from your luggage may still apply.
Yes. If you are flying British Airways Club World or similar, you will be given FastTrack security access by your check-in agent.
There’s no dedicated BA lounge at Stansted however. Instead you will need to try and secure a spot in the rather unimpressive Escape lounge.
Medications are exempt from the 100ml liquids limit. However, they will need to be placed in a separate plastic bag at the scanners. They will also be subjected to an enhanced scan which takes a little longer, so leave yourself plenty of time to pass through security before your flight.
Liquid containers must be no larger than 100ml rather than the volume of liquid itself. A 200ml shampoo bottle will still be rejected, even if it is half-empty.
Note that travel containers must have the liquid volume printed on them (handwritten labels don’t count).
Laptops, phones, tablets, e-readers, hair dryers and straighteners, cameras and travel irons should be placed into a tray before passing through the scanners. Weirdly, battery packs tend to be ignored.
Technically yes. But if you do, expect to be subjected to a manual lengthy pat-down by one of the miserable security agents. I know which I’d prefer.
If the metal detector is triggered as you pass through the gate, you will be subject to a full body scan and probably a manual pat-down too. Then you will be sent through the metal detector for a second time.
It’s a lot easier (and faster) to empty your pockets before reaching the scanners.
Yes, absolutely. But if your bag is flagged for further investigation, you’ll need to retrieve the key so an agent can conduct a manual search.
You’re better off waiting until after passing security.
Other things you need to know about Stansted Airport security
- Security staff are selected specifically because they do not have a sense of humour. Do not try to joke with them. They will not laugh. They will not even smile.
- Do not use your phone or camera in the security area. It’s illegal and you could be arrested.
- When travelling early in the morning, other travellers will be tired, grumpy and impatient so try and stay out of their way.
- There are free drinking fountains near the toilets once you are past security.
- Stay calm! Breathe deeply and enjoy yourself. The situation can be quite stressful, but you have plenty of time to get through the airport and onto your plane.
Staying at Stansted Airport
If you’re travelling from further afield, you will be pleased to know there are a few nearby hotel options that may make your early morning departure slightly less painful:
Have we missed anything? Let us know!
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